Ink Work: An International Look at the Art of the Tattoo (Downtown Gallery)

The Kent State University School of Art’s Downtown Gallery will spotlight work by tattoo artists from around the world. “Ink Work: An International Look at the Art of Tattoo” will run June 30 - July 30, with an opening reception Thursday, June 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

The practice of tattooing has a long history, crossing cultures and spanning millennia. Traditionally, tattoos have served both practical and ritualistic purposes. More recently tattoo artists and their work have entered the realm of fine art. Many artists today bring their unique sensibility to both skin and paper. This exhibition highlights the talents and unique styles of local and international tattoo artists beyond the boundaries of the tattoo parlor.

The exhibition features original works done in a variety of media, including ink, watercolor and marker. Participating artists include Sasha Unisex, Moscow, Russia; Jaya Suartika, Adelaide, Australia; Myra Oh, Diadem Tattoo, Jacksonville, Florida; Quyen Dinh, Parlor Tattoo, Los Angeles; Carlos Gonzales and Wendi Koontz, South Water Studios, Kent, Ohio; Liz Marie and Andrea Lynne, Kollective Studio, Tremont, Ohio; and Phil Rodriguez, Stow, Ohio.

The Downtown Gallery is located at 141 E. Main St. in Kent, Ohio. Gallery hours are Monday - Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Friday 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; and Sunday noon - 5 p.m.

Contact: Anderson Turner, galleries director, haturner@kent.edu, 330-672-1369